Not for the dim

Rating: 8/10 (29 July 2003)

I went to this movie with the expectation of being scared. Everything I had heard of this movie, from the storyline to the filming style, described some of my worst nightmares. For the most part, it did scare me, but more by the psychological aspect. The premise, the never-quite-seeing-them style, and the general unease throughout were all realistic enough. I would have liked more tangible tension; we seemed to be kept at arms length (though actually it was probably the constant close-ups and pseudo-artistic angles that shut the viewer out).
I liked this movie. I am still thinking about it, and some of the issues it brings to the forefront.
All of that said, this is *not* a film for the "Jason/Freddie" set. As I was leaving the theater I heard one viewer complain that he had heard this was supposed to be the scariest movie ever, and he was very disappointed. This is a psychological horror, not a serial thriller.
Oh, and for those who try to claim "28 Days Later" is liberal (or more threateningly, "leftist propaganda"), consider that it was speaking out against the eco-terrorists, not the scientists.